Vampireville (Vampire Kisses, Book 3) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Vampireville
Author: Ellen Schreiber
Published: August 2006
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9780060776251
Source: Library

Description: For goth-girl Raven, dating her dream boyfriend is complicated, especially because Alexander’s secret means that they can see each other only at night.
And now the pair must be extra wary in the dark with Alexander’s archrival, Jagger, appearing around town. As if Jagger isn’t enough cause for worry, Luna, his strikingly pale sister, has also surfaced and seems to have her sights set on Raven’s longtime nemesis, Trevor. Together, Raven and Alexander must begin a terrifying search for Jagger and Luna’s hideout to drive them away — that is, if it’s not already too late to save Dullsville from becoming Vampireville.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I feel like I’m being a little generous giving this 4 stars, but it was such a vast improvement over the first two in the series.  Raven stepped out of the one dimensional goth girl image for awhile in this book.  I was glad for that because for some reason it still bugs me that Raven has to be goth.  And the way it is described seems more a fashion statement than anything.  Anyway, I also feel I learned a little more about Alexander in this book.  He gains a little needed background.  It gives him strength as a character.  I also enjoyed what Jagger and Luna brought to the story.  Jagger was creepy and you never know exactly what he up too.  I couldn’t figure out Luna either.  All together a better story that the first two book!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

This meme is now hosted by Sheila over at One Persons Journey Through A World of Books. 

I’ve been really busy the past couple weeks and haven’t got as much reading done as I normally do.  Since I’ve also got things to get done today, I have to go back to my old style of this meme.  Hopefully will be able to continue with my new format next week

Read Last Week:

• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
• Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Currently Reading:

• Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Eden Maguire

To Read This Week

• Shadowland by Alyson Noel
• Shudder by Jennie Hansen
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

 

 

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

I forgot a book last week.  

For review…

Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Eden Maguire

 

Bought…

Distant Waves: A Novel of the Titanic by Suzanne Weyn

 

Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson, #3) by Patricia Briggs

Title: Iron Kissed
Author: Patricia Briggs
Published: January 2008
Pages: 287
ISBN: 9780441015665
Source: Library

Description: When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it’s up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she’ll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.

I Give This Book 4.5 Stars!

I was so close to giving this book 5 stars.  It was wonderful.  I was suprised that I liked that it centered around the fae so much.  For those who haven’t read the series, the fae are magical creatures.  This can include gremlins, gnomes, and fairies.  In this book you get a very up front look at a few fae legends and very they’re very rigid beliefs.  I really got into the intensity of the story.  Mercy has a knack for sticking her head out for anybody that means something to her.  And for some reason, it makes me like her even more.  I think she’s a kick ass heroine.  I liked watching her figure out her love interest issues.  I also appreciated the way the author handled a very sensitive subject without getting graphic (although some people seem to feel differently)!  So far this series has everything paranormal wrapped up in it.  In 3 books I’ve gotten werewolves, witches, sorcerers, fae, and vampires.

Kissing Coffins (Vampire Kisses, Book 2) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Kissing Coffins
Author: Ellen Schreiber
Published: May 2007
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9780060776244
Source: Library Book

Description:  Not far from Dullsville, someone’s lurking in the dark. . . .
After meeting the handsome and shadowy Alexander Sterling, goth-girl Raven’s dark world has a bright, new glow. But as in her favorite movie, Kissing Coffins, Raven knows that love always has its complications, especially when Alexander has a big secret to guard.
When Alexander suddenly disappears, Raven leaves Dullsville to begin a dangerous search to find him. Can she stay safe, no matter who—or what—she encounters on the way?

I Give This Book 3.5 Stars!

I have to be honest in saying if I would have bought this series I would have be extremely disappointed after the first couple books.  But, since I got these from the library, I don’t feel as let down.  I’m not saying that this is the worst book I’ve ever read.  Because they are a quick and easy read.  I just don’t feel anything for the characters.  I can’t put my finger on what it is.  The characters lack depth.  I don’t feel like I know much about them besides what is obvious.  I don’t think the words Goth and Vampire are character descriptions.  I like the story line though.  I just wish the lead characters added more to the story. 

 

Extras (Uglies, #4) by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Extras
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Published: October 2007
Pages: 417
ISBN: 9781416951179
Source: Library

Description: It’s a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. “Tech-heads” flaunt their latest gadgets, “kickers” spread gossip and trends, and “surge monkeys” are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it’s all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.
As if being fifteen doesn’t suck enough, Aya Fuse’s rank of 451,369 is so low, she’s a total nobody. An extra. But that’s just until she gets to kick a good story for herself.
Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity…and extreme danger. A world she’s not prepared for.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I wasn’t sure of an add on book to a trilogy.  Especially when I didn’t think the third books was all that great.  But, the included chapter at the end of Specials had me intrigued.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I ended up liking this way more than the last.  Aya was a refreshing change from Tally.  I even understood her desire to be famous.  But, along the way she found what was important and the fame was just a side effect.  I also enjoyed having Tally included in the story as a side character.  It was interesting to see how she’s still struggling with herself.  I wasn’t expecting the ending to go the way it did.  But, now the story can end and I don’t think there is much to continue on from.

Blood Game: An Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller by Iris Johansen

 

Title: Blood Game
Author: Iris Johansen
Published: October 2009
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780312368128
Source: person copy 

description: First comes darkness, then comes fear
Eve Duncan is back! Blockbuster New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen’s latest thriller brings Eve closer to discovering her daughter’s killer…and into a web of danger from which she may not be able to escape… 
Eve Duncan returns in a thriller that pits her against the most evil mind she has ever encountered: a ruthless killer who taunts her with his every move…and who has a special affinity for blood. When a Georgia senator’s daughter is found murdered, and her body drained of blood, Eve Duncan is drawn into the web of Kevin Jelak—a serial murderer who is on Eve’s short list of killers who might know something about her missing daughter Bonnie. When a goblet of blood is found in Eve’s refrigerator, she knows the taunting is over…and the games have begun. As Eve and Jelak engage in a dance of death, Eve must call upon those she loves and trusts the most…even if it means bringing them into the game as well.  

I Give This Book 3 Stars! 

I’ve always liked Eve Duncan books.  I like the cast of characters and what they bring to the story.  This one didn’t work for me as much.  It felt very repetitive (I know some information needs to be repeated for those new to the story).  And I really wish the author would have stayed away from what is so huge in pop culture right now.  And yes, I’m talking about vampires.  And this guy wasn’t even a vampire in the traditional sense.  The story gets warped around the idea of becoming a vampire just by drinking “worthy” peoples blood.  And then the book brings in a new character who has a history with the vampire.  He didn’t fit into the story as well, and I didn’t really understand who or what he was.  I did like Joe’s new “gift” and would like to see were this goes in the future.  But, this story, I can take it or leave it.